HMS MINSTREL was built in Canada and was commissioned in 1945 and was an ocean going Fleet Minesweeper of the "Algerine Class". The others in the same class were:
HMS Chameleon,Clinton,Fancy,Friendship, Gozo,Jewel,Larne,Lennox,Lightfoot,Melita,Michael,Minstrel,Pelorus,Persian,Pickle,Pincher,Plucky,Postillion,Recruit,Rifleman,Serene,Stormcloud,Squirrel and Vestal.
Algerine Class minesweeperPennant number: M445 Completed on 7 June 1944, built by Redfern & Co, Canada. In July 1945 she joined the 10th MSF, Nore Command Nov 1945 10th MSF, East Indies Jan 1946 11th MSF Feb 1946 7th MSF June 1946 11th MSF Paid off in Feb 1947 to Category B reserve at Singapore.
She was bought by the Royal Thai Navy in April 1947 and renamed HTMS PHOSAMTON on 20 Nov 1947 She attended the Queens Coronation Spithead review in 1953 whilst on Naval Cadet training.
She is still in service as a training ship and is believed to be the oldest Steam Engined warship still in service.
Displacement: 850 tons
Dimensions: 225ft x 351/2ft x 9ft
Armament: 1 x 4", 4 x 40mm bofors AA Guns
A/S weapons: 4 x DCT
Range: 5,000 miles @ 10kts
Complement: 104 - 138 (wartime)
